Sequoia National Park

Year Established: 1890
Annual Visitors: 1.06 Million
Size: 328,315 Acres
State: California

Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park

June to October

If you are planning to visit more national parks, check out our complete list of all US National Parks.

Be sure to check out other national parks in California during your trip!

• Joshua Tree National Park
• Channel Islands National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Pinnacles National Park
• Redwood National Park
• Yosemite National Park

If you are planning to visit more national parks, check out our complete list of all US National Parks here

Best Experiences in Sequoia National Park

• Big Trees Trail
• Drive thru Tunnel Log
• Check out General Sherman tree
• Hike Moro Rock
• Set up camp in Lodgepole Village for a catered camping experience
• Hike in the foothills for breathtaking views

A Brief History

The second oldest national park in the United States is home to more than just gigantic trees. Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states of the United States, is located just inside its borders. The Interagency Visitor Center off of Highway 395 provides excellent views of the mountain. Unfortunately, in order to hike up it, you need need a permit from Inyo National Forest.

Sequoia National Park is right next to Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the southern part of California. It’s known for its big sequoia trees, especially the General Sherman Tree, which is the tallest and most famous one. There are streams and interesting rock formations in the Crystal Cave, which is underground. Moro Rock is a granite dome with great views of the park. The Tunnel Tree is close by. It is a downed tree that was cut to make room for the road (check out the photo above for reference).

About Sequoia National Park

In Sequoia National Park, size matters. This International Biosphere Reserve and the nearby Kings Canyon National Park form a unique partnership in the middle of the Golden State. Some of the tallest trees on Earth may be found here, and the sight of them is enough to take your breath away.

The General Sherman Tree is the park’s main attraction. The base of this huge redwood, which is nearly 36 feet in diameter, makes it the largest living organism on Earth. Its height is over 272 feet.

Thinking about the two thousand years that have passed since it was a seed and standing next to its majestic trunk is sobering.

Take the park’s free shuttle bus to the spot where this giant sequoia is planted, and you’ll also be able to stroll the Congress Trail, which is two miles in length and passes dozens of other giant sequoias in the Giant Forest.

There are also gorgeous spring wildflowers, iconic fauna, and glistening rivers and lakes everywhere. Underground, explorers can find over two hundred caves to explore, including the marble-lined Crystal Cave. The park is not devoid of human wonders; archaeology buffs can hunt for Native American artifacts that may be as old as 5,000 years.

Sequoia RV Camping

If you are looking for nearby RV camping options for Sequoia National Park or in California, consider checking out our other post:

• Best RV Parks in California
• Best RV Resorts in California

Visitor Information

No matter what kind of lodging you like, you can find it here. There are hotels in many of the nearby towns, and the park has a lot of lodges and campgrounds. Drive down Crescent Meadow Road and go under Tunnel Log once you’ve set up your base. Leave time to hike, ride a horse, climb, mountain bike, kayak, or just look at the view. No matter what you like, you are sure to find something exciting.

If you are considering camping and need new camping gear, check out our favorite camping items in our RV Shop.

Fees

Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

Weekly Park Passes

$20.00 per person

$35.00 per vehicle

$30.00 per motorcycle

All passes are valid for up to 7 days.

Annual Park Passes

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Annual Pass – $70

Contacting Sequoia National Park

Visitor Centers

Foothills Visitor Center

The Foothills Visitor Center is headquarters for both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. It is right next to the entrance to Sequoia National Park on Highway 198, also known as the Generals Highway. When you go to the park, you should go to this visitor center first. Not only is it the best place to talk to park rangers to get information about the park, but it is also one of the only places to buy Crystal Cave tour tickets. The Visitor Center has displays about the ecosystem and human history of the Sierra Foothills. It also has a bookstore and gift shop with souvenirs, maps, and books, as well as first-aid services and public restrooms. The visitor center also has information about the hiking trails that run along the Kaweah River and its branches. Most trails can be used at any time of year.

Giant Forest Museum

The museum is in an old market in the sequoia grove of Giant Forest, which is 6,500 feet (1,980 m) above sea level. Visit displays about sequoias and find out why these are the biggest trees in the world. I definitely recommend stopping here before you explore the grove. Also, during quota season, you can get wilderness permits from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.